Can you tell us about your journey as an artist and how you got started with painting?

I started drawing when I was a little girl and if it weren’t for my eight grade teacher for encouraging take an art class as I continue my education, so I took an art class in high school. In my twenties I sold my art work but I thought I would never be good enough to become a professional artist. I hid my talent for a long time, and stop drawing and painting. I started back painting five years ago, and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. I recently joined an art class in my community it teaches you how to find your own style, and how to get better at it.

What inspires your artwork, and how do you choose your subjects?

Ellen Brenneman, Jay Lee, and Charles Cecil a local artist. I really think my subject chooses me, because I just start to draw and see where I’m going from there.

What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your paintings?

I use camel hair brushes, and acrylic, but I’m experimenting with oils, but haven’t gotten the technique down yet. Right now, acrylics is my thing.

Are there any artists or specific works of art that have influenced your style and approach?

Ellen Brenneman. I love her style and technique. I really try to copy her strokes, but I haven’t gotten it down to a science. I also enjoy Precious Moments, because it simple and so cute. I want my impression to capture that as well. In fact, my last painting is the lady under the stars is definitely an Ellen Brenneman which I copied, but with my own style to it.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Keep drawing and painting, the more you practice the better you get. If I can do it at my age anybody can. Dreams do come true. Your art can be seen around the world! Keep up the good work and sometimes you have to encourage yourself and don’t listen to anything negative. Let nobody hinder you on this journey.

How do you balance your personal life and passion for painting?

Now that I’m retired I have the time to really put into my art. When I was working, I only had precious moments to spare because life gets busy. I have learned to take out some time for myself and enjoy what I love to do.

How has your style or approach changed over the years since you first started painting?

It has changed drastically, I painted a lot of abstract in my youth, and I hid away my drawing and kept them to myself, and now I’m more open to really let people see the creative side of me.

19 Comments

  • Charles "Chuck" Norwood

    Beautiful Art Work Mrs. Zola Bird I Love It♥️

  • Karen King

    Zola Bird is a creative artist on many levels. She is a prolific author, designer and painter. I am a fan of her work. I look forward to seeing more of her collection.

  • glorious

    Interesting and Very insightful of your journey Zola.

  • Zola’s art have alway, to me, been very colorful and full of life’s expressions. Congratulations, Zola on being published.

  • George Banner

    The artwork by Ms. Zola Safer I find whimsical, hopeful and beautiful. The colors are vibrant. It somewhat reminds me of some Victorian Artwork and Middle Ages Artwork, yet, it is unique and thought provoking. I wonder what the figures are thinking.

  • So happy! My paintings finally has a place in the world of art.

  • Hey Izola, the artwork is beautiful, keep up the wonderful work ❤️ Love the colors ❤️

  • Cheryl Hall

    Beautiful!!!! I love the creativeness of Izola art work, very unique and talented. I love seeing nature in painting, the beauty behind it and it gives me a since of peace.

  • Jan Kimbrough

    Zola is so creative and talented. She inspires me to continue on my journey. Keep letting God lead you.
    You are awesome.

  • Earnestine nelson

    Nice pictures I like ur artwork keep up the great work 👍

  • Yolanda Neylon

    I really enjoy every one. I’m so proud of you.

  • Patty Minnick

    Glad she has taken up this passion in her retirement.

  • Derrick Nelson

    The paintings are so beautiful. Wonderful

  • Thank you guys so much! I do appreciate every comment and you did this “just because,” that mean so much to me. I put God first in everything I do. I’m yet to discover more about myself and the amazing things I can do! We all have greatness in us, so it time to reinvent yourself even if you are not retire, so go out and do amazing things! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you for those who live in Milwaukee, Jackson, MS, Iowa, Texas, Mishawaka, IN, ALT, New Jersey, and of course “SB, IN. Thank you all love you all! From some of your personal emails, I haven’t given up on my writing, the best is yet to come. A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. “Your gift will make room for you!”

  • Dawn L. Horst

    Zola has always put her heartwarming thoughts into all of the various pieces she creates.

  • Awesome art work Zola. Keep bringing your creative beauty into this world.

  • Beautiful 😍 🤩 Love ❤️

  • Awesome job, looks great…

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